
What is an unlocked cell phone? Unlocked cell phone is a mobile phone that can adopt all GSM networks with interchangeable SIM cards. No matter who makes the card, the phone will be able to recognize it and send voice and data over the network. This contrasts with a locked phone, which is bound to a specific cell phone service provider, and is typically offered with a contract when someone starts mobile service.
Why to buy an unlocked cell phone?
One advantage to buying an unlocked cell phone is the ability to buy almost any GSM phone, rather than being restricted to a limited selection offered by a specific carrier. This can include phones only distributed in certain countries, or with features that are not available on all carriers. People also don’t need to wait for a contract to expire to buy a new phone; they can remove the SIM (Subscriber Identification Module) card from an existing phone and insert it into a new one when they are ready for a replacement. This allows them to keep their number while upgrading the phone, without having to go through the carrier.
And since an unlocked android phone is not tied to any carrier, you are free to insert your active GSM SIM card into any unlocked phone and start making calls.
Where to buy an unlocked cell phone?
One way to get a phone without proprietary settings is to buy it new from a third party vendor in its original, unlocked state. Third party services are also available to unlock a person’s android phone, usually by attaching it to a special piece of hardware specially designed for this purpose.
There are also instructions online to unlock most models. In many cases, unlocking a phone is just a matter of activating the phone and entering a specific code; some phones, however, require a series of steps before the code can be entered. Not all codes work and trying to enter codes that are incorrect can cause the phone to “hard lock” and prevent it from being unlocked. Certain models of cell phones can only be unlocked using the hardware method, which may also work for hard locked phones.
Some cell carriers sell unlocked phones at full price, usually allowing consumers to pick a flexible plan such as month-to-month or pay-as-you-go billing. This can provide access to carrier-specific features with the flexibility of an unlocked phone. If a customer has been with a carrier for some time – sometimes for as little as 90 days – the carrier may even be willing to supply an unlock code for a locked phone, although they may charge a fee.